Watching from Australia ‘with bated breath’
Greece’s opening ceremony was splendid, rich in symbolism, colourful and classically Greek. My sister and I watched the whole celebration (live Australian time 3.30 a.m.) from start to finish with bated breath, hoping and praying that all would go well for all concerned. It was also wonderful to see the world support the Olympic Games through the representation of various heads of state being in attendance, particularly when we live in times of uncertain safety. This was a tremendous show of support for the Greeks and the Olympics. As for the Kenteris/Thanou issue, everyone knows there are drugs in sport – to put our heads in the sand and try and push the issue away is silly. I don’t know how the drugs issue should be solved, but the bottom line is that sportsmen and women are faced with enormous pressures and do resort to performance-enhancing drugs. Should Kenteris and Thanou miss these Games then we should be sad for them, for Greece and for all the athletes of the world. On the facilities – they look wonderful. It’s a shame that some events don’t have many spectators. I hope the closing celebrations will reflect the happy and exuberant nature of the Greeks (utilizing Greek artists for the entertainment). ANASTASIA K. COMINO, Melbourne, Australia.
